Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his left shoulder degenerative joint disease is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The right shoulder disability claim, which includes service connection as secondary to the left shoulder condition, is also remanded.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarification on whether the Veteran's congenital absence of the bilateral pectoralis major with recurrent dislocations of both shoulders amounts to a defect or disease, and if it is a disease, whether there was superimposed injury or disease in service resulting in additional disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to effective dates for service connection and TDIU, specifically regarding a left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and left hip and knee conditions, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and acid reflux disease are denied. The claim for a higher rating for low back disorder is granted, but subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent since January 17, 2014. The RO denied higher ratings for the cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right hip disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss require further examination to determine their current severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, and skin disability due to potential issues with medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's service connection claim is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the service connection for a low back disability. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion on whether each diagnosed back disability is a congenital/developmental defect or disease, and if so, whether there was a superimposed injury or disease in service that resulted in additional back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, but denied service connection for cervical, right knee, left shoulder, and right hip conditions. The decision also remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee degenerative arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc and degenerative arthritis is remanded. The claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of radiculopathies of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a head injury, but denied service connection for a right knee disability. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the grant of service connection for residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back condition is related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain more recent treatment records and provide an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left rib injury is denied, and his initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with lumbar sacralization and disc height narrowing is granted at 40 percent.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 40 percent from June 7, 2017.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the bilateral hearing loss disability claim. The remaining claims for service connection are remanded due to lack of verification of National Guard service and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown to be related to his military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for breathing condition, sleep apnea, and various finger joint conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service event that would warrant service connection.,Service connection was not granted because the VA examiner found no current diagnosis of any respiratory condition and determined that the Veteran’s symptoms were related to aging and physical deconditioning. The Veteran's sleep apnea was also attributed to obesity, which developed post-service.